NAAS REPORTCUIS GHAIRE gave Jim Bolger a flying start to Derby week with an emphatic victory in the Cathal Ryan Memorial Swordlestown Stud Sprint Stakes at Naas yesterday.
Bolger is relying on Galileo progeny New Approach (Derby) and Lush Lashes (Oaks) at Epsom and it was another product of the same sire who shone in this Group Three race.
The evens favourite turned on the style for Kevin Manning and won by three and a half lengths from Marquesa, with Kevin Ryan's British raider, Undaunted Affair, two lengths away in third.
"She's a lovely sort and she'll head for the Railway Stakes at the Curragh next with the Moyglare Stud Stakes back there the long-term aim," said Bolger.
Tax Free completed back-to-back victories in the Coolmore Choisir Naas Sprint Stakes, but had to survive a stewards' inquiry.
The David Nicholls-trained six-year-old, ridden by his son Adrian, held the Brian Meehan-trained Day By Day by a length and three-quarters for a British one-two.
Jockey Ian Power remains under observation in hospital in Waterford following a horrible fall at Tramore last Friday. The 27-year-old sustained head injuries in the accident and despite making a slight improvement over the weekend, is still in a serious but stable condition.
